Maine Learning Technology Initiativehttp://www.maine.gov/mlti/index.shtmlClick on " Resources" tab and check out the most recent Webinar :Citizenship in a Connected Culture: How Schools, Parents, and Kids can work together

Windows XP Home may not work on all networks; more susceptible to malware / viruses than mac laptops

Mac laptops are not as susceptible to viruses and malware. There are not mac netbooks yet.

Netbooks are, by design, highly portable, great for web research, email, skype, watching videos, word processing/ data analysis, Web 2.0 tools.
Laptops offer more processing power for intensive image/video editing, multimedia authoring. A netbook can do it too, just a bit more slowly.Technical requirements of one-to-one laptop initiative
1) A sound cabling infrastructure is a must, preferably capable of gigabit speeds to support the latest wireless standard, 802.11n. Cat5e is the official recommended cabling standard for Gigabit Ethernet speeds, although some have been successful using Cat5. Any new cable runs should at minimum use Cat6 cabling.
2) A gigabit network backbone between wiring closets is recommended.
3) An enterprise class centrally managed 802.11n capable wireless solution is recommended versus home networking class products such as Apple Airports. An enterprise class wireless solution is much better at providing adequate wireless coverage, especially in high concentration areas (gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, commons, etc.).
4) Plan for adequate wireless coverage throughout the building. Wireless coverage will vary depending upon building construction. Some schools have had to place an access point in each classroom.
5) The use of a central wireless controller is recommended for efficient access point management, ease of deployment, maximum wireless network uptime, and directory based authentication and tracking.
6) Gigabit Ethernet switch ports are needed in all wiring closets where access points are terminated. POE switches are preferred for powering of access points from the wiring closet versus from power outlets near access points. This gives greater flexibility in placing access points maximizing wireless coverage. If gigabit but not POE switch ports are available, power injectors can be used in the wiring closet to put power on the Ethernet wire or, though less desirable, access points can be powered via a power brick at the access point location.Note: Managed switches and/orVLANs are not required for basic wireless rollout but may be required for some advanced features or segmenting of larger networks to improve performance.

Keystone AEA1 has negotiated discounted pricing from HP using the buying power of all AEA1 schools as a group. We have partnered with Five Star Telecom, an HP reseller, to provide the following for AEA1 Schools:
a. Free site visits in our districts to determine network infrastructure equipment needs, make recommendations, and provide pricing using our preferred rate with HP.
b. Free wireless site survey using district provided maps to determine the number and location of access points needed in the district.
c. Preferred labor rates for equipment install and cabling services provided by Five Star Telecom.

If you are interested in these services or HP network gear please contact our Five Star Telecom representative below and mention that you are a Keystone AEA1 School.

Other things to consider:
1) Provide adequate technology support for the number of computers deployed, possibly utilizing tech savvy staff and students to be technology mentors to other staff and students. Plan for extra time in the summer to refresh computers for the following year.
2) Invest in technology management software to distribute software updates, install new software during the school year, monitor staff/student computer and network use, and provide technology support to staff and students.
3) Purchase spare laptops for loan while a broken laptop is repaired. Keep extra power supplies and cables on hand for students who forget theirs at home. Will the school replace batteries that will no longer hold a charge? Possibly keep spare batteries on hand too.4) Provide other technology to supplement the laptop program such as LCD projectors, document cameras, and smart boards. 5) Plan for server resources to store staff/student files, synchronizing what is on the laptop with the server on a regular basis. 6) Have a productivity suite installed on the computer that can be used by students without them being connected to the Internet. 7) Partner with local Internet providers to ensure all students have Internet accessibility from home. Possibly supplement Internet service to students who can't afford it on their own, drawing from resources in the community to offset costs. 8) Consider using the technology to promote the technology. Recruit tech savvy students and staff to partner with other one-to-one schools to create a promotional video highlighting how the technology is used in other one-to-one schools. Conduct and record in person and video chats with students and staff. Show different perspectives and have staff, students, and administration weigh in on the topic. Show the video to the community, the board, students and parents.

Discussion points: 1) Will server resources be accessible from home? 2) Will students be allowed to print? 3) What insurance options will be offered and what financial responsibility will be assumed by students and parents for broken/missing equipment? 4) What will be the policy for adding software to the computers - will district personnel install home printers and home software on district laptops? 5) What computer operating systems will be supported (Windows, Mac, Linux)? 6) Will other computers besides district owned computers be allowed on the school network? If so what prerequisite policies will have to be met? 7) How will the district refresh their equipment in the future - will leasing be an option to provide budget consistency and predictability and spread out costs?
8) What are the objectives of your one-to-one program and how will you measure your progress?